U.S. gasoline prices lower ahead of holiday

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- Retail gasoline prices in the United States moved closer to the expected summer average as commuters settled into the last work week before the July 4 holiday.

AAA reports U.S. consumers paid an average $3.55 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline Tuesday, down 5 cents compared to the same time last week. California drivers paid the most with an average price of $4.06 per gallon. Commuters in Illinois paid $3.89, down 19 cents from last week.

The U.S. Midwest region was in the grips of a temporary price spike because of refinery issues in the Chicago area. South Carolina reported the lowest average price of $3.23 per gallon.

The Energy Information Administration, the U.S. Energy Department's statistical arm, reports an average price of $3.57 for Monday, down 5 cents from the previous week. The EIA predicted regular gasoline will average $3.53 a gallon for the summer driving season, which lasts from April through September.

AAA reported last week it expects 40.8 million travelers will drive more than 50 miles from their homes during the upcoming July 4 holiday, a 0.8 percent decrease from last year.